Shattered Light

A/N: And finally an update! Sorry it took me so long but thanks for all your patience; I had a lot of things to take care of before I could even think about getting back to writing. But it's all over now and I still have about two to three more weeks of Christmas vacation left. Chapter 8 will come once I finish the first chapter of a Gildor/Figwit story I have in my head right now.
Intro the Lorien brothers! They will figure quite prominently in this story.


Chapter 7: Dreams and Desires

“Rúmil! Sit still, you’re upsetting your horse!”

“Let him be, Haldir. He’s not doing anyone any harm.”

“You’re no better, Orophin.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?!”

“Last night you were giggling like some maid on her wedding night!”

“Now you’re the one upsetting the horses, Haldir!”

Celeborn chuckled as he listened to the brothers banter amongst themselves, completely oblivious to the giggles and snickers the rest of the riding party from Lórien was throwing their way. It had been nearly a month since Galadriel had ceased to feel Elrond’s pain and turmoil over the departure of his wife, Celebrían. Something had put the Peredhel into good spirits of late, though the Lady of the Wood was unsure of the source. Thus, she had sent her husband and a small riding party to find out about the recent comings and goings in the valley.

“I wish you would stop teasing me, Haldir,” Rúmil said with a pout. “It’s been months since I’ve seen Lindir. Aren’t I allowed a little bit of silliness on my part?”

“Not if your excitement is going to upset your steed and send him running for the woods,” Haldir replied rather tartly. “After which we must chase both you and he before we can proceed with our journey.”

“It’s not as if I meant to go crashing into trees.”

“Whatever the case may be, please refrain from doing so again, at least until we’ve reached Imladris.”

“Oh please,” Orophin said with a roll of the eyes. “Stop being so serious all the time, Haldir. Have a bit of fun now and again, will you?”

“I resent that.”

“Really now? So just what is it you plan to do when we reach Imladris, hm? Go riding in the woods with the twins? Perhaps a swim in the Bruinen? Valar forbid you decide to lock yourself in the library with only Erestor for company.”

At the mention of the chief advisor’s name, Haldir’s face took on an enticing shade of red that did not go unnoticed by his brothers or Celeborn. The cause of the March Warden’s embarrassment was unknown to the Lord órieórien, but Orophin and Rumil were perfectly aware of the reason. For months they had to listen to their dear siblings muttering in his sleep; Erestor’s name was often spoken with a soft whisper during those nights. Celeborn, despite being oblivious to the matter, decided it was high time the brothers ceased their jesting.

“I suggest you three cease the teasing, for we are nearing the valley,” the Lord said with a stern look. He paid no mind to the glance the eldest brother exchanged with the youngest as Haldir tried to control his embarrassment. Instead, Celeborn returned to watching the road, smiling as his ears caught the faint sounds of the Bruinen. A moment later the sounds of riders approaching was heard, causing the Lórien party to stop. Up ahead, the brush parted as three riders appeared. Celeborn instantly recognized the two dark-haired elves as the twins; he was, however, unfamiliar with their golden-haired companion.

“Ata’da!” Elladan exclaimed as he caught sight of his grandfather. Both he and Elrohir beamed as they urged their horses forward and embraced their grandfather as best they could on horseback.

“What are you doing here?” Elrohir asked. “There was no word from Lórien of your coming.”

“I decided to surprise you,” Celeborn replied with a smile. “I wanted to see how Elrond and my grandchildren are doing.”

“We are all doing quite well,” Elladan replied, returning the smile. “Ata’da, allow me to present to you Prince Legolas of Mirkwood.”

At the mention of his name, Legolas moved closer to the party, bowing his head in acknowledgement. “’Tis a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lord Celeborn of Lórien.”

“And yours, Prince Legolas. Tell me, what brings you to Imladris? Are you here alone?”

“Nay, I arrived nearly one month ago in the company of my father and brother and a small party from Mirkwood.”

“A month, you say?” Celeborn turned to his grandsons for confirmation and received a beaming smile from Elladan in return. “That is news indeed. I have not seen King Thranduil since our youths in Doriath; I should very much like to see him again.”

“And so you shall!” Elrohir said, turning on the path to head back to the manor. “Let us lead you the rest of the way. I’m sure Arwen and Ada will be thrilled to see you. Oh, and Rúmil,” the youngest twin then turned to the youngest brother and gave a small wink, “there’s someone who will be pleased to see you as well.” Elrohir smiled at the weak blush Rúmil colored his cheeks before turning back to the path. A similar blush stained his own cheeks when Orophin drew up next to him, taking one of his hands and giving it a small squeeze. He could hear Haldir snorting in slight annoyance as the March Warden’s elder brother leaned over to plant a light kiss upon Elrohir’s cheek as they rode forth.

It did not take the party long to reach Imladris. At the entrance to thnor nor of the Lord, they were greeted by Elrond, Glorfindel and--much to Celeborn’s surprise despite Legolas‘ previous news--Thranduil.

“Welcome Celeborn,” Elrond greeted as the Lórien Lord dismounted, followed by the others. “’Tis good to see you visiting, though I must admit it is a surprise to see you here unannounced.”

“Forgive me for not sending a message, Elrond,” Celeborn replied. “But I was anxious to see how you were faring.”

“I am well, as we all are. The house has been in chaos, but King Thranduil kindly traveled from Mirkwood to help straighten things out.”

“’Tis good to hear, though I am rather surprised to find you here, Thranduil. When was the last time we spoke?”

At this the Mirkwood King gave a wistful smile as he stepped forward, his emerald green robes swaying slightly, to clasp Celeborn’s hand. “I can’t remember when, mellon, but it might have been when we were last in Doriath.”

“A long time indeed.”

Thranduil raised an eyebrow when he noticed Celeborn searching around for something. He tried to hide the amused smile creeping across his face but failed miserably. “And what,” he said, addressing the silver-haired Lord, “is it you are looking for, exactly?”

“I was told you had traveled in the company of two of your children. I have met your youngest son.” At this, Celeborn gestured back at Legolas, who was standing next to Elladan whilst the elder elves conversed. “Yet I do not see your other son.”

“Ah, Arondil is at the training grounds this day with Lindir and some of the other patrol sentries.” The Mirkwood King frowned slightly at the sharp inhalation he heard issued from one of the Galadhrim. Peering around Celeborn, he found a soft blush staining Rúmil’s cheeks out of embarrassment whilst Haldir glared at his youngest brother. The frown deepened slightly when Thranduil turned back to Celeborn, who was laughing quietly to himself, joined by Elrond and Glorfindel.

“Aye, Rúmil,” Celeborn said, turning to younyounger elf. “You may go and see the minstrel.” At this Rúmil beamed and with a bow to his Lord and a nod to his brothers darted off across the lawn in the direction of the training grounds with a wide grin plastered on his face.

“My Lord Thranduil,” Glorfindel said, an amused smile upon his face. “I do believe you have just met who it is that holds Lindir’s heart.”

Elrond smiled in amusement as Thranduil‘s face registered his understanding, before the lord of the valley turned to address a figure moving behind him. “Erestor.”

The advisor stopped in the corridor when Elrond called to him just as he was about to pass the gathered party. None except Orophin seemed to watce ste stiffness that suddenly entered Haldir’s form when the dark-haired councilor stepped closer to his Lord.

“Aye, my Lord?” Erestor said, bowing briefly to Celeborn.

“Would you kindly escort the Lórien party to their guest rooms?”

“Ada…” Elrohir made to interrupt but was promptly silenced by a wave of Elrond’s hand.

“Except Orophin, that is,” the Peredhel lord continued as if his son had never spoken. “I am sure he knows exactly where he will be staying.”

At the subtle hint, the silver-haired elf in question beamed and gave a nod. “Aye, my Lord. I know where I will be during this visit.” The smile that had graced Orophin’s face widened at the rogue blush that appeared across his lover’s face and the short snicker Elladan gave.

“Very well, my Lord,” Erestor replied, looking in amusement at the two lovers before turning to Haldir and the others. “March Warden, if you and your men will kindly follow me.”

“Aye, councilor,” Haldir replied, pleased he was able to keep the small tremor out of his voice as he and his men followed the dark-haired elf, leaving behind the elven lords.

~~~~~~~~~~

“And this will be your room, March Warden.” Erestor had spent the better part of an hour arranging rooms for the visiting Galadhrim, showing some of the newer members where everything was situated as some had never been to Imladris before. Once everyone was settled, all that was left Hal Haldir--and there was only one room remaining.

Haldir swallowed thickly as he suddenly realized how close his guest room was to the wing that contained Elrond, his family, his advisors, as well as the visiting Mirkwood royalty. “It seems a little far from the other guest rooms,” he stated quietly.

“Aye, ‘tis true,” Erestor replied. “But it is the only remaining guest room available. We had not anticipated King Thranduil’s arrival, nor that of Lord Celeborn. Your brothers will likely stay with their lovers, which is somewhat of a relief on my part as I would not have any rooms for them. Perhaps you would prefer to reside with one of your men during your stay here?”

The silver-haired March Warden pondered the thought for a moment. It certainly was a more appropriate solution than staying in the room that was being assigned to him. Haldir was more than certain that he would embarrass himself, considering his fondness, so to speak, for Erestor and the things he could get himself into during the night. But he ultimately decided against the idea in order no ino insult the hospitality of his host. “Nay, these rooms will be fine. Thank you, Erestor. I think I will take some rest now after the journey.”

Erestor nodded in understanding before gesturing down the hallway. “Elrohir’s rooms are at the end of the corridor, should you need to find Orophin. And Lindir’s are in the adjourning wing.” He then pointed at the polished oak door that stood directly to his right. “These are my rooms; should you require anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

Discovering just how close Erestor’s room were--right next door in fact--caused the blood to drain from Haldir’s face and a lump to form in his throat. Swallowing thickly and quickly recomposing himself, he nodded to Erestoforefore pushing the door to his own room open. “Thank you, I will certainly ask if there is anything I require.” He watched the councilor nod before proceeding down the corridor to attend to his other duties. Once he was gone, Haldir quickly shut the door and leaned heavily upon it, his breaths coming out in short pants.

/By the Valar, don’t let me do anything stupid during this visit. Don’t let my secret betray me. Don’t let my dreams give me away. Erestor can’t find out./ Steeling himself, Haldir took a long, slow, deep breath, gathered a few of his things and promptly headed to the baths in order to soothe his troubled mind and tired body.